Ketipung

The ketipung is the smallest and highest pitched drum in the gamelan ensemble. It is a two-headed wooden barrel drum with carved and painted ornamentation. The drumheads are made of animal hide and laced with strips of leather. Sliding rings made of braided leather are used to tune the drum. In general, the role of the drummer (or drummers) is to lead the rest of the ensemble by controlling the tempo and starting and ending each piece. The ketipung is played with the largest drum, the kendang gede, either by the same drummer or by another player. It can be played using a drum stand or resting on the drummers lap.

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The ketipung is the smallest and highest pitched drum in the gamelan ensemble. It is a two-headed wooden barrel drum with carved and painted ornamentation. The drumheads are made of animal hide and laced with strips of leather. Sliding rings made of braided leather are used to tune the drum. In general, the role of the drummer (or drummers) is to lead the rest of the ensemble by controlling the tempo and starting and ending each piece. The ketipung is played with the largest drum, the kendang gede, either by the same drummer or by another player. It can be played using a drum stand or resting on the drummers lap.

Dimensions

The drum is 16” in length. The larger drumhead is 7 ½” in diameter and the smaller drumhead is 5 ¾” in diameter.

For further information contact: Archivist, University of Washington Ethnomusicology Division, School of Music Box 353450, Seattle, WA 98195; (206) 543-0975

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